The Maple Leaf Trail 2012 

We depart from London to Toronto, arriving mid-afternoon. Our base for three nights is the welcoming Delta Chelsea Hotel, located in the heart of Toronto's downtown, close to many of the city's main attractions. The rest of the day is free for you to settle into the hotel or explore the surrounding downtown area.

Today we travel to Niagara Falls on a full-day excursion by coach. As you arrive at Niagara, the first thing you will notice is the incredible noise. The roaring, crashing falls create an awesome sound. We begin our day here with a buffet lunch in the Penthouse Restaurant of the Sheraton Hotel, which occupies an unbelievable location directly opposite the Falls. Other than from the air, there can hardly be a better place from where to admire the awesome spectacle where as much as 600,000 US gallons of water cascade over the falls every second. After lunch you are free to spend time exploring the falls. There are a number of excursions (payable locally) that give you the chance to get as close to the cascades as possible. These include a trip on the Maid of the Mist, which takes you across the foaming waters at the base of the falls, and "the journey behind the falls", a fascinating excursion on a lift that runs through the rock behind the falls, where you can view the thundering water from a number of viewing portals and observation decks.

A guided coach tour today takes us around the fantastic sights of this varied and interesting city. Towering over its waterfront is the CN Tower - an iconic landmark and one of the tallest free-standing structures in the world at 1,815 feet. If you are feeling adventurous, there is time to ascend to the Outdoor Observation Deck (payable locally) at 1,122 feet (342m). Your afternoon is free for you to explore Toronto. Perhaps take a stroll along the shores of Lake Ontario, browse the hundreds of shops at one of the grand covered malls, or visit the excellent art gallery of Ontario.

Today we travel on VIA Rail's Corridor service, enjoying the passing scenery through picture windows as we make our way to Ottawa. Corridor service trains are sleek and modern, carrying commuters and tourists in comfort and at speed between cities. As we head out of Toronto, Lake Ontario is visible from the train, a sight that accompanies us for much of the journey as we head east alongside the lake, passing sandy beaches and picturesque holiday homes dotted along the shoreline. After passing through the former fur-trading town of Belleville we make our way through Nepanee, catching a glimpse of its charming old railway station and beautiful town hall. A delightful collection of picturesque waterfalls can be seen to the south shortly after we head out of Nepanee. We leave the lake behind at the town of Kingston, following the route of the St Lawrence River as it winds in and out of sight as we make our way to Brockville. From here we turn north and head to Ottawa, where we stay at The National Hotel & Suites, located in the centre of the city, close to Parliament Hill and the National Gallery. On arrival in the Canadian capital, we enjoy a guided sightseeing tour of this vibrant, multicultural city. Ottawa was once a humble lumber town, now there are many fascinating museums and galleries to visit. Nature lovers will find plenty of trails throughout the city's parks, while Byward Market offers superb shopping opportunities.

After a leisurely morning in Ottawa we travel across the north east corner of Ontario province to Montreal in French Canada on VIA Rail's Corridor service. We check in at the Delta Centre-Ville Hotel, located in the heart of Montreal, for a two-night stay. The so-called 'cultural capital' of the province of Quebec, Montreal is renowned for its bohemian atmosphere. With the largest population of French speakers outside of Paris, Montreal retains a unique European feel. We enjoy a sightseeing tour of the city upon arrival. Later you can continue exploring Montreal at leisure. You could visit the Old City to observe the 17th century architecture or visit Le Plateau for excellent shopping and dining. The waterfront of Montreal includes the redeveloped Quays of the Old Port, a thriving centre of tourist attractions and activities. You could visit the interactive science museum, enjoy a scenic harbour boat cruise or even navigate your own way around the waterfront by pedalo. A wide selection of waterfront cafés and restaurants at the Quays offer a more relaxing way to spend your afternoon, as do the many gardens around the Old Port, many of which have been designed by the Canadian Wildlife Federation to showcase native plants.

Today we embark on an excursion to the historic walled city of Quebec, on VIA Rail's Corridor service. Our day in Quebec begins with a guided city tour, which includes the Citadel and the 'Plains of Abraham', the site of the battle between British and French forces, during the Seven Years' War. This afternoon you may wish to visit the Basilica-Cathedral of Notre Dame, a pilgrimage site which also now houses an art gallery. Alternatively, take a stroll along the Dufferin Terrace, a panoramic boardwalk overlooking the St Lawrence River. Old Quebec is the only North American fortified city north of  Mexico whose walls still exist and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It has a wealth of historic and cultural sites and its tourist streets, rue Saint-Jean, rue Saint-Louis and rue Saint-Paul, are lined with restaurants and always bustling with activity. We return to Montreal this evening on the Corridor service.

Your day is at leisure, allowing you to explore Montreal before our journey back to London. Perhaps visit the Old City, with its cobblestone streets, grand old French restaurants, boutiques and street performers. With its magnificent basilica dome, St Joseph's Oratory is one of the world's most visited shrines, second in height only to St Peter's Basilica in Rome. The Olympic Park contains a tower that offers excellent views above the city. Considered by many to be among Montreal's best sights, the enormous botanical garden contains over 20,000 plant species in 31 different gardens. Located near Olympic Park, the gardens include plant ecosystems from all over the world. A stroll through this exotic environment is a wonderful way to finish off your time in Canada, a most cosmopolitan country. We depart Montreal this evening and arrive in London on Day 8.